What to do After the Flood

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Because flooding events are becoming more and more common across the country, being prepared for how to react if one impacts your home is wise. It is normal to want to clean up quickly when you sustain flood damage, but it is essential to make sure you are taking smart steps and making your safety a priority when you do so.

Tips for Taking the Right Steps After a Flood

Avoid further safety hazards. Getting back to your home in order to survey and clean up the damage is often a top priority after a flood, but it is important to not rush there before the area has been deemed safe. Officials must check for damages hidden by the floodwaters such as electrical wires, animals and other contaminants, and exposing yourself to these can lead to serious injuries.

Air out the home. While the damage from rising waters can be significant, mold damage can be an auxiliary issue that can also pose its own set of problems. While mold will seek out any moisture-damaged space in the aftermath of a flood, airing out your home can discourage its growth and keep the air inside the home healthier for those working on the recovery process.

Document the damages. We understand the urge to begin cleaning up immediately after laying eyes on the damages to your home, but we always urge people to do a thorough documentation first. Make an inventory list of all damaged items and take photos of the rooms that have been impacted. Not only will this be helpful for your records, but it is also a big help if you are eligible to file an insurance claim for the damages.

Contact your restoration and insurance companies right away. For those who have purchased flood insurance, setting the policy claim in motion as quickly as possible will help things move much faster for you. Additionally, reach out to your restoration company as soon as you are able to after the flood, especially if they offer a ²⁴⁄₇ service. Leaving water damage unattended can cause it to compound, meaning quick and professional treatment is the best thing for your home.

If your home has been damaged in a flood, we are here for you. You can contact us ²⁴⁄₇ to receive a quick response and set the restoration process in motion.